In a message dated 09/09/1998 10:41:25 AM, Jon wrote:
>I wonder if you could try using a
>legume with small seeds which would cause them to run out of stored N
>faster, and perhaps take up even less greenhouse space? (Too bad
>Arabidopsis isn't a legume, eh? :-)
Cassia chamaecrista (AKA Cassia fasciculata) the partridge pea, may be a good
choice. Just collect seeds in late Summer/early Fall (while they are still on
the stems) then scarify them anytime and they germinate readily. These can be
found most anywhere East of the Mississippi and into Texas. I have seen masses
of them on Florida roadsides.
Another one that works like this (don't know how well they form nodules) is
Robinia psuedoacacia, the black locust tree. Seeds can be found in half-pods
on the ground in the vicinity of the trees all Winter in Maryland (my former
home) and adjacent states. It is listed for Florida but I have not seen one
yet.
Both of the above are far better choices for school science fair projects than
the beans, garden peas, and house plants we usually see. They store well,
germinate dependably and quickly, and, during their early growth, maintain a
far more compact habit than beans and garden peas. Scarification can be
tedious but the rewards justify the effort, in my opinion. For large
quantities an acid treatment may be used.
Dave Williams, Science Department Chair
Valencia Community College, East Campus
701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail
Orlando, FL 32825
407-299-5000 Ext. 2443
FAX: 407-299-5000; press "1" then enter 2437
Preferred E-mail: profdhw at aol.com
Institutional E-mail: dwilliams at valencia.cc.fl.ushttp://www.bose.valencia.cc.fl.us/dwilliams/daveone/dave.htm
